Research Design for Mixed Method Studies
Convergent parallel
In a convergent parallel design, you collect quantitative and qualitative data at the same time
and analyze them separately. After both analyses are complete, compare your results to draw
overall conclusions.
Example: Convergent parallel designIn your research on cycling safety in Amsterdam, you
undertake both sides of your research simultaneously:
• On the qualitative side, you analyze cyclist complaints via the city’s database and on
social media to find out which areas are perceived as dangerous and why.
• On the quantitative side, you analyze accident reports in the city’s database to find out
how frequently accidents occur in different areas of the city.
When you finish your data collection and analysis, you then compare results and tie your
findings together.
Embedded
In an embedded design, you collect and analyze both types of data at the same time, but within
a larger quantitative or qualitative design. One type of data is secondary to the other.
This is a good approach to take if you have limited time or resources. You can use an embedded
design to strengthen or supplement your conclusions from the primary type of research design.
Example: Embedded designAs part of a quantitative study testing whether the number of cyclist
complaints about an area correlates with the number of accidents, you could “embed” a series
of qualitative interviews with cyclists who submitted complaints to further strengthen your
argument. The bulk of your research remains quantitative.
Explanatory sequential
In an explanatory sequential design, your quantitative data collection and analysis occurs first,
followed by qualitative data collection and analysis.
You should use this design if you think your qualitative data will explain and contextualize
your quantitative findings.
Example: Explanatory sequentialYou analyze the accident statistics first and draw preliminary
conclusions about which areas are most dangerous. Based on these findings, you conduct
interviews with cyclists in high-accident areas and analyze complaints qualitatively.
You can utilize the qualitative data to explain why accidents occur on specific roads, and take
a deep dive into particular problem areas.
Exploratory sequential
In an exploratory sequential design, qualitative data collection and analysis occurs first,
followed by quantitative data collection and analysis.
You can use this design to first explore initial questions and develop hypotheses. Then you can
use the quantitative data to test or confirm your qualitative findings.
Example: Exploratory sequential design. You first interview cyclists to develop an initial
understanding of problem areas, and draw preliminary conclusions. Then you analyze accident
statistics to test whether cyclist perceptions line up with where accidents occur.
Convergent Mixed Method design
Characteristics
• Collecting both quantitative and qualitative data in similar timeframe
1) data collection and analysis occur in parallel with merging after respective analyses
2) data collection and analysis is interactive with analysis typically of one, eg,
qualitative, informing data collection and analysis of the other, eg quantitative
Applications
• To acquire quantitative (trends, large numbers, generalization) with qualitative (detail,
small numbers, in-depth)
• To validate or explain quantitative findings with qualitative data collected
contemporaneously
When you want to expand your quantitative findings with some open-ended qualitative
data (e.g., survey with closed- and open ended data)
Figure 1: Convergent Mixed Method design
Explanatory sequential design
Characteristics
• Two-phase project
• Collecting quantitative data first followed by collecting qualitative data second
Applications
• To explain the quantitative results in more depth with qualitative data (e.g., statistical
differences among groups, individuals who scored at extreme levels)
• To identify appropriate participants to study in more depth qualitatively
Figure 2: Explanatory sequential design
Exploratory sequential design
Characteristics
• Two-phase project
• Collecting qualitative data first followed by collecting quantitative data second
Applications
• To develop a classification or typology for testing quantitatively
• To identify variables to study quantitatively when these variables are not known
• To cognitively test instruments prior to a study o To develop a theory or model and then
to test it later.